(Once again, Miley Cyrus puts my feelings into words better than I can. Except for all the kissing stuff.)

by Cage Potato senior editor Ben Fowlkes

A little less than two years ago I signed on with Cage Potato and joined managing editor Ben Goldstein in a daily attempt to make this one of the most entertaining MMA websites out there, while also working in a little bit of news and analysis here and there. It’s been a great ride since then, and I’ve never had a job that allowed me to have so much contact with so many great people, or such fun with photo captions.

But for me, the journey now draws to a close. I am moving on to another job within the MMA industry (more info on that in the coming days), so this will be my last week with the Potato.

Communicating with the loyal and passionate readers of this site has always been one of the highlights of the job for me, so I wanted to take a moment and let you all know in advance rather than just disappearing altogether one day the way your fathers did. (Sorry, that last part was probably inappropriate. Goodbyes are hard for me, so I compensate with hurtful jokes. This attribute has made for a series of unpleasant break-ups over the years.)

I want to thank all the readers and commenters and late-night drunken emailers who have made working for this site such a…well…an experience, as well as a joy. I also want to thank Ben Goldstein and the people at Break for giving me a chance in the first place, and for allowing me to become a part of a great team. I’ve enjoyed my time here immensely, and so it is with a mixture of sadness and excitement for things to come that I move on.

But before I go, BG suggested that I open the floor to questions one last time for a final “Ask the Potato” on my way out the door. To answer some of your questions preemptively: no, this isn’t your fault (unless you’re CAPS LOCK HAL); yes, you’ll definitely be able to visit me regularly in my new home; no, I am probably not going to recommend you as my replacement.

If that hasn’t torpedoed all of your possible questions, and if there’s still anything relating to MMA, Cage Potato, or life in general that you want to ask, go right ahead. I’ll round up the ones I feel like answering and post them later in the week, at which point you may begin complaining about what a jerk I am for not choosing your question.

What advice would you give someone looking at starting an mma blog other than don't do it?

Rape Choke- April 14, 2010 at 3:01 pm

Ok, first off Ben,
You don't leave CagePotato, CagePotato leaves you! This site is blood in and blood out, so make your choice wisely.

Another thing, I demand that BF is placed on the banned list. Your name will be placed right behind fighters claiming to "Fight like they use too" and you will not be pulled until you realize what a horrible idea it was to have us make you leave.

Well, i hope you stub your toe and it creates agonizing pain for at least three days.

Hugs and Armbars, Rape Choke

justscrappin- April 14, 2010 at 11:19 am

Yeah Rex...I have been thinking about that for sure. I am definitely a proponent of everything happens for a reason. When one door closes...another opens. So Stein of Gold....who you bringing in?

Shatski- April 13, 2010 at 12:24 pm

My bad, Dangadadang! I just skimmed through a bunch of the previous comments before I did, so the use of "future endeavors" was probably subconscious. haha. Never my intention to make anyone look bad.

I can't believe it! The post even brought TUF Guy back out of wherever he went. Lifting obscene amounts of weight and tapping out everyone at Xtreme Couture, probably.

Barc- April 13, 2010 at 11:36 am

Look, we love you... but, don't think that video journalism is a valid option. You're just not built for it. Your neck is bigger than your head, facial expression looks like it pains you, and monotone isn't easy on the ears. You've found your niche in this world, and it's witty commentary on the MMA world as you see it. It's here today, and nobody is gonna remember you for it, but, you're good at it. Remember this, and you'll do well wherever you choose to go.

My question:
If you had amnesia, and then were cured; would you remember that you forgot?

Shaky- April 13, 2010 at 10:09 am

This is a sad day,
Goodbye BF,
You know....I always kinda thought of the F in BF as standing for friend.
I'll let you decide what the B means.
...and yeh, I literally just made an account to post that

LoneWolf- April 13, 2010 at 8:46 am

Great writing the past few years. This site is still one of the best MMA sites out there. Peace

ReX13- April 13, 2010 at 8:10 am

Ok, fellas, check it out. A long time ago, i was a huge fan of a comedy show that i felt was tailor-made for me. It was topical and hilarious, and then one day it was announced that the host of the show would be leaving.

I was disappointed, and doubtful that the network would be able to find anyone that would fill the shoes of this brilliant host. I was sure that the show would tank and dissappear into obscurity.

The year was 1998.

The host was Craig Kilborn.

The show was The Daily Show.

Ass_Kickin_Fat_Kid- April 13, 2010 at 7:42 am

Don't be sad guys.... somebody has to cook all that horse meat for Overeem.

justscrappin- April 13, 2010 at 7:27 am

Well I'm just going to be honest....this is super depressing. As others have stated....Fowlkes's sense of humor was the pinnacle of any mma writer on any site. It's like he knew exactly what I wanted to hear to make me laugh but also intelligently comment on the sport that we all love. I consider CP the best site because of the hard work of Goldstein...and the talent of Fowlkes. Goldstein is like a hardworking band manager..that does all the work to make things happen. Fowlkes was like the lead singer of the band, he was the talent. We know that CP doesn't operate without Goldstein's effort and know-how, but no one goes to a concert to watch the band manager make business calls. They go to see the wild, entertaining, drug-fueled performance of the lead singer...as he flys around the stage screaming and whipping the crowd into a frenzy with his energy and charisma. Yeah...watching Goldstein puke is good fun for one day...but I'm not going to tune in daily for a repeat performance.
Fuck you Fowlkes....I hope whatever the price your whore-soul was purchased for is worth the torment and monotony you have just added to all of our loyal...mundane lives. Now if Goldstein can find a suitable replacement....I will make sure to follow you to your new home so I can motherfuck you everyday.
Of course if Goldstein doesn't find more funny then I will jump ship and follow Fowlkes to his new home and continue to enjoy his writing and pretend Goldstein and the CP doesn't exist.....sorry Goldstein....Jewish you are...Mel Brooks or Woody Allen you are not.

P.S. No Goldstein...if you adopt a young Korean girl...take her on as your daughter..and then as soon as she turns 18 you start banging her and marry her...I will still not consider you a comic genius and/ or a competent replacement for Fowlkes.

hayes262- April 13, 2010 at 6:44 am

are you replacing douglas crosby?

ScarTissue- April 13, 2010 at 6:37 am

The site won't be the same without you. Good luck in future endeavors, in bed.

ScarTissue- April 13, 2010 at 6:37 am

The site won't be the same without you. Good luck in future endeavors.

abenormal- April 13, 2010 at 6:33 am

Three pages of comments and no one says;

"Th-Th-Th-That's All... Fowlkes!"

You guys are slippin'

angry little feet- April 13, 2010 at 4:55 am

All will no longer be right with my world .
Sad little feet.

Robocop Didnt Tap- April 13, 2010 at 4:27 am

Ben? More like Benedict Arnold!

I shall wear my :( face for the rest of the week.

CheckHisPee- April 13, 2010 at 2:47 am

Well Ben, it seems like it was only yesterday when a...a um..*sniff*, I..ah..*sniffsniff*..aah SHIT, I promised myself I wasn't gonna do this!
Sucks to lose you, but best of luck just the same, prick.
I kid, may all your days be filled with good fortune and sunshine, fucker.

Apparently I'm gonna need some "closure time".

fatbellyfrank- April 13, 2010 at 1:38 am

First Silvas "cough" performance, now this, it truly is the dawn of the apocalypse, I'm gonna fuck something while theres still time

farewell Ben, all the best, We now rely on you completely to ensure the standard remains the same Goldstein

reddog- April 12, 2010 at 11:22 pm

Ben, will you finally accept the gift I bought you? I purchased Wes "the asshole show" simms TUF10 weigh-in drawers(AS SEEN ON TV) from ebay. I had him custom sign it "property of cagepotato" and you never gave me an address to send it to. Perhaps you were busy building a special viewing room for it. I know I would. What gives??

BTW, are you the new editor for MMAids.com?

knightrida- April 12, 2010 at 9:06 pm

I don't think you'll be wasting your time reading this far down a pointless thread, but if you do, I just want to say I started reading this blog in Aug 07 (pat on my back) and have been a daily reader since. Only spankwire has kept my attention longer. I'm sure the 132 posters above me also let you know how witty, talented and credible of a writer you are, so I won't. I always liked you better than BG (he never sent the shirt he promised me) but I'm sure you've taught him well. Good riddance, homey.

Sjsurf- April 12, 2010 at 8:13 pm

God damnit BF how could you do this to me? Ive spent the last 2 months trying to get my girl back and you go and do this? I cant deal with two losses. But on the brighter side of things congrats on the new gig and you can count on me to be an avid reader. You making my overnight shifts 10 times better. Thanks for the memories. I bid you good riddance.

DangadaDang- April 12, 2010 at 8:06 pm

matter of fact, a lot of you son's a bitches used the term "future endeavors, I guess i need to step up my vocab if i ever wanna get that sweet tits CagePotato internship

DangadaDang- April 12, 2010 at 8:04 pm

jesus Shatski, you had to post ten seconds in front of me and make me look like a hack

DangadaDang- April 12, 2010 at 8:01 pm

Good luck Ben on all your future endevors, continue to drink scotch and teach life lessons laced with witty sarcasm and deadpan humor

-DangadaDang
(dictated, not read)

Shatski- April 12, 2010 at 7:34 pm

Man. I was in class when I checked a quick update on my phone. I almost got up and went to the nearest computer to read WTF is going on. Best of luck in your future endeavors and I'm sure a bunch of these Potato Heads will find out where you are and comment stalk/harass you mercilessly. You know you love it!

dranokills- April 12, 2010 at 7:09 pm

Hey before you go could you explain to me why I never got my goddamn shirt you promised me?
Oh fuck it you prolly don't know, and all those shirts never went out, figures.
Go have fun elsewhere, and remember,don't drink the syrup of ipecac you damn fool.

PeenutGallery- April 12, 2010 at 6:46 pm

Don't go! Please noooo... I beg you *sobbing*
...
F*ck you then! Go you asshole, get the F*ck out of here, no one needs you around here... you weren't even funny!
...
No wait, I don't mean that... don't go, please!? PLEASE!
...
...
...
We are all mature adults here. If you have to go, then goodluck to you. *Secretly wishing you come crawling back, one day, when you're at your wittiest*

Get Off Me- April 12, 2010 at 6:43 pm

Congrats Ben!
I always enjoyed your input on the articles, don't ever lose that.
All the best in the future.

Harry Nips- April 12, 2010 at 6:27 pm

Damn, I'm really hoping CP doesn't go down the shitter now. BG & Co. got some big shoes to fill.
Fowlkes hopefully your next job is replacing that retarded fuck Franklin McNeil on MMA Live so I can watch it again now that it's gonna be on tv.
In my best Lloyd Christmas impersonation: "I hate goodbyes!" (hug & choking back tears)

Lecter- April 12, 2010 at 5:59 pm

I hope you're moving on to bigger and better things, Ben.

It's kinda funny really. I was wondering, why do I read CP? Is it for BF's dry articles, or is for BG and his regularly ass-kicking of BFing-Bitch in Ben-v-Ben? You know what, it's none of that.

Ben - I truly hope you're moving onto greener pastures. I'll read anything you write in the MMA world, because you're one of the few writers whose opinion I actually respect. Cagepotato will be fine without you but I really hope you give the world of MMA commentrary a go. Ariel can't get all the pussy.

BF and CP ftw!!

surfjafo- April 12, 2010 at 5:56 pm

Best of luck bro....

Hey BG - If ya need a hand (meaning help, nothing gay) gimme a call!

Don't be mad Fowlkes.....I'm an opportunist, I'll take the job if you leave it behind.

We're going to miss you here, Ben Fowlkes! I remember when you first came to CP. I can't believe I've been visiting and posting on here for such a long time. I recall when a topic having 10 replies by posters was considered a big deal. And you could actually have one of the Bens respond to an email within a few hours.
All this time, and I still have no CP Hall of Fame shirt, too! Send me the shirt that I have still never actually earned!!!
Anyway, best of luck to you in this future endeavor. We'll definitely miss your witty stories and insightful commentary into the greatest sport in the world. Stop by, and keep in touch with us sometime!

Fred Reeva- April 12, 2010 at 5:38 pm

Goldstein, I don't think you should be alone tonight. I'm offerring light spooning, only we wear beekeeper suits and there is to be no eye contact. I'm not gay I just care. I AM NOT GAY MOM!!!!!!!!

AussieJosh- April 12, 2010 at 5:31 pm

You ging to Sherdog Ben?

MyFightWiffaCheeto- April 12, 2010 at 5:25 pm

Hope the pricks at SI treat you better than Rick Reilly... Also don't get too fucking preachy like he wound up getting. Why do you think he got fired?

You shall be missed. Keep up your role as "God of Death" in the message boards.

PurplePickle- April 12, 2010 at 5:16 pm

Great timing Fowlkes. Seeing as how 'sodomize at knife point...Cage Potato staff...' was the first item on my bucket list, it seems we won't meeting in the restroom at the next UFC fan expo after all. Shucks.

Anyway, we all know BG was the workhorse around these parts, but I will still miss your thick neck, monotone voice, and dead eyes all the same. Good luck with whatever.

Wow, congrats and good luck! Who knew that the UFC was looking for someone to do some research into the DNA comparisons of Kalib Starnes & A. Silva. Maybe if you do a good job you can do the physicals (turn your head and cough) for M-1 Global!

RwilsonR- April 12, 2010 at 4:55 pm

I really hope you didn't get talked into going back to the IFL, Fowlkes. I'm just not sure I see the whole team thing working out long term.

pjwolf- April 12, 2010 at 4:53 pm

just... just go...

nick diaz and the dub sack- April 12, 2010 at 4:47 pm

"late-night drunken emailers"

LATE NIGHT? Have you learned nothing in your time on the internets? Day time drinking is a potato head tradition. At least in my house...

Well if it makes you happy ben i have been reading since you started never wanted to make a post here, but thanks for all the good reads. At least we have 1 ben

tubby bob- April 12, 2010 at 2:12 pm

don't be fooled by my screen name, my name is also Ben and I'd gladly step in...if thats what you're looking for...

tubby bob- April 12, 2010 at 2:05 pm

shit son

Chri534.- April 12, 2010 at 1:53 pm

You're dead to me.

superflat- April 12, 2010 at 1:50 pm

What the hell man. Without your CP cred you'll never get that date with Arianny. Or me.

robthom- April 12, 2010 at 1:49 pm

Well, adios and best of luck.

See ya in a month.
:)

BryanF- April 12, 2010 at 1:48 pm

I have a pertinent thing to say:

Of all the things I believe in
I just want to get it over with
tears from behind my eyes
but I do not cry
Counting the days that passed me by

I've been searching deep down in my soul on the internet
Words that I'm hearing reading are starting to get old
Looks like I'm starting all over again
The last three two years wereweren't just pretend and I say

Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I love
The one thing that I tried to hold on to

I still get lost in your eyes articles
And it seems like I can't live a day without you
Closing my eyes till you chase my thoughts away
To a place where I am blinded by the light but it's not right

Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to

Ohhh yeah
It hurts to want everything & nothing at the same time
I want whats yours and I want whats mine
I want you but I'm not giving in this time

Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
The one thing that I tried to hold on to

Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to

We the stars fall and I lie awake
Your my shooting star

...sniff..good luck in prison Ben! If you're about to get raped, sell rocks. I heard that helps.

omunto- April 12, 2010 at 1:48 pm

God damnit Anderson Silva! You cause so many people to be disenfranchised with the sport that now JOBS are being lost!

Best of luck BF!

Ted Nutmeg- April 12, 2010 at 1:47 pm

There was Cage Potato before Ben Fowlkes, and there will be Cage Potato after Ben Fowlkes. But never again will there be anything as consistently superb as Cage Potato with Ben Fowlkes. It certainly was fun while it lasted. Good luck, my friend.

Lek- April 12, 2010 at 1:41 pm

Ben - you are the funniest guy in any mma blog, hope you continue to provide lucid and entertaining articles wherever we may find you... or was that the other Ben who I think is funny?

sixthsense- April 12, 2010 at 1:40 pm

we can't quit you :(

Clyde- April 12, 2010 at 1:37 pm

I think thekid said it best. You will be missed.

On a side note, I think this is the first time I've ever heard Miley Cyrus sing. If they'd played it to a montage of Ben and his greatest quotes, I'd have cried.

Good luck, and a collective stockton heybuddy from all of us, you magnificent bastard.

Wiskey Tango- April 12, 2010 at 1:37 pm

Ben,

Dana and the boys must have finally got to you... they must have offered you a shit load of money to leave CP. No more shit talking about the UFC, no more spoilers.... But on the other hand, it must be nice that along with cash (and not kidnapping your family) they also offered you Anderson Silva's job as the middleweight champion, as we all know you are much more entertaining than him...

Good Luck...

Gamecock- April 12, 2010 at 1:30 pm

Boo. I'll miss you more than herpes. Unlike herpes though, you won't come back in a few months.

Notorious- April 12, 2010 at 1:30 pm

if you are leaving us, does that mean we are not good enough for you? im going to treat this break up like when my last girlfriend told me she was pregnant. you better hold onto those railings on the way down the stairs. you might "slip".

but serious question.
White said he doesnt know how hes going to make up for anderson silva being a bitch. can you reccomend that a few select fans (me of course) get to do the little capoeira dance he did on his face? he should have knocked out Maia like 10 times in 25 minutes. that was bullshit.

MediumRare- April 12, 2010 at 1:29 pm

Question for ya Ben:

Have you ever wondered what human flesh tastes like? And if so what cut would you choose and how would you have it cooked?

ksgbobo- April 12, 2010 at 1:28 pm

Good luck to you Fowlkes

831 Son- April 12, 2010 at 1:27 pm

We all know you will hold this site down though Goldstein.

Strife- April 12, 2010 at 1:26 pm

Great, now my laugh boner is flaccid. You will be missed Ben

jimbonics- April 12, 2010 at 1:25 pm

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111

Don_Dada- April 12, 2010 at 1:20 pm

Cya.

cariouslesions- April 12, 2010 at 1:16 pm

So long Ben, we'll always have Columbus!

Markdog- April 12, 2010 at 1:15 pm

I will officially commit suicide tonight. :(

Fred Reeva- April 12, 2010 at 1:01 pm

Who's going to be the George Michael to Goldstein's Andrew Ridgeley? The Hall to his Oates? The Clay to his Jason? The Junie to his Robert? The Warm towelette to that Shit that gets stuck under your shoes when you leave a Peep Show?

TUF GUY- April 12, 2010 at 12:54 pm

Dude, watching me bench was better than some of his posts.

Kindling- April 12, 2010 at 12:53 pm

Oh GREAT. I knew this was going to happen. Didn't I tell you this was going to happen? An MMA blogger gets ONE bit part on an episode of CSI and all of a sudden he thinks he's a hot shit actor. All of a sudden MMA blog money isn't good enough. No, he wants to be in Tekken 2. Or A-Team: The Prequel. Fine. We'll play along, Fowlkes, but you and I both know you'll come crawling back. They always do.

But seriously, Fowlkesy, here's my question: In your hands you hold a sledgehammer. You are ordered to kill one of the two people behind the curtain or else a sniper shoots you in the dick with a high-powered rifle. The curtain falls and there stand GSP and Fedor bound, gagged and unconscious. Scrawled across their chests in red sharpie are the words "Goldstein wuz here" (this is irrelevant to the matter at hand but you can't help notice it and feel weirded out). Now, Fowlkes. Who do you murder with the sledgehammer? GSP or Fedor?

TheArtof8Limbs- April 12, 2010 at 12:53 pm

Good luck Ben. I cant really begin thanking you for being one of the best at combining 2 of my favorite things: MMA and humor. You will be missed and again good luck on your future plans.

I will now start drinking myself into depression and have random sex with an overweight barslut. And who will I have to thank for my soon-to-be bastard child? (That I will neglect child support pending a blood test) Ben Fowlkes ladies and gentleman.

I have no doubt that CP will remain to be the best p4p mma site. Who wants to read mundane facts on fights and fighters?? That shit is boring. I'll take WarMachine freaking out wearing a spitbag, or Fedor sweater caption contests over dry witless commentating any day. Fuck the haters BG. Anyone who visits this site 5 times a day (like me) knows that the readers are the wittiest and knowledgeable (some...not all) contributors to CP. Cheers bens.

PingPong- April 12, 2010 at 12:49 pm

Wait, which Ben were you; hairy forearms or receeding hairline?

Dr. Cagelove- April 12, 2010 at 12:47 pm

Do you really think this is a good time to give up writing (which you're decent at) for being a professional hot chick (I hope the surgery is successful btw). Don't count you chickens before they hatch. (Especially when you aren't a real hen)

aarondramp- April 12, 2010 at 12:45 pm

If I wasn't so bummed I would probably make a lame joke here. This really sucks.

common sense- April 12, 2010 at 12:42 pm

see ya, best of luck with your new job. ill be reading

as for cagepotato, ill still come everyday, multiple times (no pun intended....)

imabigfan- April 12, 2010 at 12:40 pm

Thanks for the laughs, the tears, and the herpes. Not sure they all came from you, but damn if they don't keep on giving.
Thanks, funnyman. Alas, I hardly knew ye. Godspeed.

Man, now where am I going to read clever rewrites of Sherdog articles?
I kid I kid, we are going to miss you for sure Ben, your writting has inspired a nation, I can only hope that your future does not include you dressing up as a chef and getting stomped out by Bas Rutten.

Take Care Bud

Dog

Azzkicker90- April 12, 2010 at 12:33 pm

Who the fuck is gonna do the MMA Minute 2010 Christmas Edition?

iDestroy- April 12, 2010 at 12:33 pm

This is the worst news I've heard since my girlfriend told me she was pregnant. Hopefully my wife won't be as pissed about this.

Seriously though, Ben, you're amazing. Thank you for filling so many of my days with laughter. I'm sure you'll be epically successful in your new venture. Good luck.

TheFactor- April 12, 2010 at 12:29 pm

Best of luck, thanks for all the great laugh out loud moments my co workers hate me for :)

Cheeseandelbows- April 12, 2010 at 12:28 pm

It seems like a sad day being now it's a mashed potato...however, they clearly taste better.

jhov2324- April 12, 2010 at 12:24 pm

Damn no more BEN VS. BEN......

I hope your not going to STRIKEFORCE :/

steampunk22- April 12, 2010 at 12:23 pm

@Goog

Nice!

I hoep CP doesn't start to tank after this.....

Organ Donor- April 12, 2010 at 12:22 pm

Why must you leave completely? Can't we still be friends with the benefit of the occasional guest commentary?

Just remember to talk lots of shit before the fight so Anderson will act like a douche instead of fucking you up!

ReX13- April 12, 2010 at 12:21 pm

Fried Taco, Emopinata>>>

How can you focus on FightPicker at a time like this???

Mommy and Daddy are breaking up, and it's obviously our fault. If you take the first letters of each word in BF's post, it says so.

El Famous Burrito- April 12, 2010 at 12:20 pm

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!

You never even got to find out what made the Burrito, El Famous!

***SPOILER****

It's cilantro. White kids love that shit.

Good luck, Fowlkesy!

You too, Goldstein, for that matter.

nismo17- April 12, 2010 at 12:19 pm

I have been reading this site for a few years now and never posted, I guess this is a good time to start. I have enjoyed your articles and your knowledge of the sport. Helped kill a lot of my time at work!! Thanks for all the laughs and news, you have great potential.

Question: Who do you think the next "BIG NAME" guy in the UFC will be?

Best of luck,
~Niz

RwilsonR- April 12, 2010 at 12:18 pm

@ Dante and shitbag

Same idea works if swimming in the ocean, as well......... or a pool.

MMAMoneyLine- April 12, 2010 at 12:18 pm

To be honest, I didn't think you had the body to make it as a Bellator ring girl.

Thanks for everything Ben, you'll be missed.

Triangle- April 12, 2010 at 12:16 pm

Didn't you learn anything from War Machine's endeavour BEN?

You can't leave us to make porn movies!
----------------------------------------------

But I would certainly pay to see you ending with a spitbag on your head!!

----------------------------------------------

Peace and Love may be with you Ben.

Randle McMurphy- April 12, 2010 at 12:15 pm

For whom does the bell toll? It tolls for thee Cage Potato. The Potato had a fine and delicate douchebaggery balance between the East Coast Douche and the Midwest Douche, but that's over now. Cest Le Vie. RIP CP.

JoseMonkey- April 12, 2010 at 12:14 pm

This is easily the worst news I've gotten all day.

No offense, Ben G -- but Ben F's commentary is what has made CP my preferred MMA news site.

shitbag- April 12, 2010 at 12:13 pm

@Dante ^^^ I Do that all the time!

Patrick- April 12, 2010 at 12:12 pm

Been an absolute pleasure reading stuff you wrote and winning shirts from you. Godspeed, you black emperor.

ben- April 12, 2010 at 12:11 pm

"I foresee this page going down on my list of favorite MMA sites." "i see a rapid decline in the quality of CP in the future." "Great, now CP is going to suck." Thank you so much for your continued loyalty, and your confidence in my abilities!!!

The Clinch- April 12, 2010 at 12:10 pm

The fuck? You can't just leave, you have witty, awesome articles to write.

Wherever you're headed, you best not suffer from being edited, your delivery is topnotch and a reason I came, as I'm sure others did as well. Love the humor, beats the absolute shit out of other sites.

I'm with 831, it's time to fuck shit up. And I'm at a nuclear facility, this is gonna be your fault BF.

But really, thanks for your contributions and goodluck sir.

Goog- April 12, 2010 at 12:10 pm

One can only imagine the lopsided victories Ben will have in Ben vs Ben. You might consider bringing in Ben Stein. Then you could have Ben Stein and Ben GOLDstein. Still do Ben vs Ben, but be able to say, "No, baby... that's not just Stein... that's fucking GOLD-Stein right there."

I hate to see a good team broken up, though. You guys go together like the canvas and James Thompson's forehead.

Thanks for the mammaries, Ben. You've been a like a third father to me. [stands ceremoniously giving you my best Stockton "Hey, Buddy".]

Emopinata- April 12, 2010 at 12:10 pm

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH FIGHTERPICKER! I WANT MY CHIPS! JEEEZ

Dante- April 12, 2010 at 12:10 pm

Have you ever taken a shit right before the shower, and decided that since you're getting in the shower, not wiping is ideal and resourceful?

You seem like that kind of dude.

J-Dog- April 12, 2010 at 12:09 pm

BF is going to work as a body double/stand-in for Henry Rollins. Good luck BF!

King_KP- April 12, 2010 at 12:08 pm

First my Girlfriend of 5 years, and now you, painful month.

Best of luck in all future endeavors Ben.

Geriatric Peon- April 12, 2010 at 12:04 pm

Good luck BF and I hope your replacement is actually good at his job................ it would be a nice change of pace.

Perdew- April 12, 2010 at 12:03 pm

BF's new job is sooooooo obvious...

Manager/Trainer/Coach to MMA hopeful DAVE FARRA!!!

on another note, thanks for breaking the news on a monday. mondays suck and this didn't help, but it'd be better than knowing on a friday. now i can know i need to read this week's posts with a scrupulous sense of appreciation

Congrats on the new job. As you can tell through all the macho-based go-f**k-yourself commentary above, you will be missed. We (most of us) are happy for you, and throwing up a Miley Cyrus video of ANY kind was a brilliant way to deflect the heat of your departure.

Good Luck on your new job, and check in from time to time just to let us know where you are so we can haunt you like the aforementioned case of herpes (excpet the kiss...my ass! you KNOW you loved our Quiet times together, cuddling closer than GSP's last fight!

and if you think about it...
Having him go to Mean University to be the dean WOULD be mean to all of us from CP who applied...

BF: lets take a look at the latest batch of applicant...wait...I know these guys...
Chancelor of Mean Education: HOw can you tell its them?
BF: they are the ones from the group photo when all of them are wearing Studded underwear
Chancelor Of Mean Education: Ah. yes...too bad the studs are on the OUTSIDE only...
BF: Well played boss...well played. Now please take your hand off my thigh.

Grimmy
good luck and deep deep deep deep ....deep down, we are all proud of you.

GUI-uh-TEEN- April 12, 2010 at 11:55 am

Guys, he's clearly going to prison next week. Money laundering to support a nasty gambling addiction has never been a long term solution. BJ is sorry you lost all that money on his fight and that now you'll be getting very familiar with his name during your stay in prison.

I don't care where who signs your checks as long as you're writing MMA articles somewhere.

Viva Hate- April 12, 2010 at 11:54 am

Thanks for all the great stuff on and best of luck in the future.

As you last official act with CP can you throw out a tshirt to those of us who have already worn a hole through their first one? And is it true you going to write Bob Arum biography?

Vegas- April 12, 2010 at 11:54 am

Holy shit. I am sad. I don't even know what to do right now. I'm crushed on the inside. You mother fuckers.

Deadpanda- April 12, 2010 at 11:53 am

Who will I worship Krom with now?! Ben, you heartless bastard, how could you?

ps- I'm OK with not getting the rec. as your replacement here... but what about as "The God of Death?"

831 Son- April 12, 2010 at 11:53 am

FUCK!

Bro, you are by far the most clever, humorous MMA writer there is as well as the fact that you have an unlimited vocabulary unlike every other MMA site. No one compares. You will be missed Fowlkes. Best of luck in your new job. Hopefully we will still be able to read/listen to your insight in the near future.

Time to fuck some shit up, i'm pissed.

VisitingDeadAncestors- April 12, 2010 at 11:52 am

damn, this sucks... i see a rapid decline in the quality of CP in the future.

i'm gonna Anderson Silva dance my sadness away.

rjstevens- April 12, 2010 at 11:52 am

Ben, would you recommend that your replacement be named Richard so it can be Ben on Dick?

If this is not possible could 50% Ben be forced to eat until he is large enough to be Ben squared a.k.a. Butter Ben?

JaredMagno- April 12, 2010 at 11:50 am

I have a questioned that I have wondered Ben:

Quote: The two other televised bouts for UFC 91 aren't likely to be on anyone's list of must-sees...
Tamdan McCrory takes on Dustin Hazelett

Why, Why would you say that!

SouthSideEssay- April 12, 2010 at 11:50 am

So you're not coming to the pancake breakfast?

CaptainPajamaShark- April 12, 2010 at 11:49 am

Being Ty Burrell's stand in can't possibly pay the bills on its own..regardless though, godspeed.

KarlKraft- April 12, 2010 at 11:48 am

...and stay out of Rogan's locker room!

shitbag- April 12, 2010 at 11:46 am

Ok, Ben, good riddance or whatever, I have a few questions:

1) How bad are your genital herpes/anal warts? Are you able to live a normal life?

2) Will your gambling and alcohol addictions follow you to your new job?

3) Do you think a priori information is really possible?

4) We don't care where you're going, as long as we can continue to write asshole comments to your articles.

Well, that last one isn't a question, but Douglas Crosby still scored it for me all the way.

Carl Sagan- April 12, 2010 at 11:42 am

Ben, what makes you think your new job will be better than this one?

Also, I foresee this page going down on my list of favorite MMA sites.

ReX13- April 12, 2010 at 11:42 am

i'm bummed. Like, seriously, sincerely, i'm actually sad about this development. i hope everything is amiable, and i wish fowlkes the best.

EDIT>> BG's post above will stand forever in this post as an illustration of why people like me call CP home.

Goldstein>> please please PLEASE do not allow this to affect my beloved potato. I need an average of five posts a day to maintain my "happy" IRL facade. Get some interns, and a personal assistant. Also, BF told me he'd recommend me as a replacement to help you through this difficult transition. Remember: it doesn't make you weak to ask for help. Just sayin'.

NomadRip- April 12, 2010 at 11:42 am

I hope you aren't the funny one.

PortlandMMA- April 12, 2010 at 11:41 am

Congratulations on the new gig, I appreciate the hard work you've put it so that I can do the opposite at the office. Seriously though you will be missed. Congratulations once again, I'm curious to see what the new job is.

parchy mcthirst- April 12, 2010 at 11:41 am

oh what the fuck, without the half to complete the whole....we are all lost, Fowlkes. We'll miss you, you defecting mother fucker (giving you some of your humor)

knucklesamitch- April 12, 2010 at 11:41 am

RwilsonR,

Well played.

CUNTS- April 12, 2010 at 11:40 am

WHO are you?

rM- April 12, 2010 at 11:39 am

April Fools was a few weeks ago...you are a little late...

Anyhow, good luck and don't get fired.

Marcer- April 12, 2010 at 11:39 am

Gah, Fowlkes better have gotten a gig on Oprah to be ditching this wonderful site. If it turns out that he was responsible for all of the iconic dry humor and Goldstein just managed the forums I'm going to kill myself.

rjstevens- April 12, 2010 at 11:38 am

Is the Miley Cyrus video a hint? Is Miley starting an MMA Career? OMG OMG OMG I've waited since season two of Hannah Montana for this moment!!! Thank you Ben You've revolutionized the sport.

You're Commentary is really going to be missed.

Pleb- April 12, 2010 at 11:37 am

Shitty... Not much else to say. Curious to see where you end up, though!

Thanks for your time here at CP.

steampunk22- April 12, 2010 at 11:37 am

Hey Mr. Fowlkes, sad to see you leave the Potato, but I guess it's time to get that de-luxe apartment in the sky. Attaboy.

Read a lot of your articles on SI before CP, and obviously a lot of them since you joined CP, and you've always been insightful, sarcastic, clever, and knowledgeable in your work. Plus you seem to like to tease Helwani a bit, and I can dig it.

So, no jokes from me here, no smart ass comments, just wanted to say thanks for all your contributions to CP and you seem like a totally decent guy. I hope your new opportunity makes you happy, and I'm happy for you (for what its worth, I'm just some random dude on the interwebs I guess).

Hopefully I've made you laugh once or twice with my comments.

Cheers, man. Congrats!

Old_Bald_and_Irish- April 12, 2010 at 11:36 am

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way.

Seriously, we'll miss ya.

BEST OF LUCK!

....you'll need it.

____________________

Sorry....I'm bad at the whole awkward break up thing too.

thekid- April 12, 2010 at 11:36 am

NNNNNNNNNNOooooooooooooooooooooooooo

BEAM- April 12, 2010 at 11:36 am

Aww, does this mean no more long, rambling posts about the American healthcare system?

Deathb4tapout- April 12, 2010 at 11:35 am

Good luck in what ever you do next Ben. The site will miss you very much.

RwilsonR- April 12, 2010 at 11:35 am

BF, I have a question about your future -

Is it or is it not true, as has been reported, that you are taking over for Keith Jardine as the dean of Mean University?

The rumors are everywhere, and we deserve an answer.

Plagues- April 12, 2010 at 11:34 am

Man that's kind of gay of you. I'd like my promise ring back.

agentsmith- April 12, 2010 at 11:34 am

So is Ariel Helwani taking over or what? This has to be the only MMA site he doesn't work for yet.

cecils_pupils- April 12, 2010 at 11:33 am

Ben Fowlkes you will be missed. There is only one acceptable answer to all of this: you accepted a job at the UFC as Matchmaker in Training. Please tell me this is true.... or at least lie to me. Thanks.

Sigh....

ben- April 12, 2010 at 11:32 am

Wait, you're leaving, Fowlkes?? WHY AM I ALWAYS THE LAST TO KNOW EVERYTHING.